Top 13 Halloween Movies and Specials

Tis the season... for spooky stuff! As part of the countdown to Halloween 2012 the crooked gang introduces its top 13 Halloween movies & specials, all of which are in no particular order (because they are all so good).

It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

The list has to start with a special that I know a lot of people young and old hold near and dear to their heart during Halloween. Hard to beat this classic.

Halloween

A classic slasher that survives (pun intended) to this day. A Crooked Ninja Turtle Gang staple of the season.

Coraline

This claymation movie is a great example of stop motion done so perfectly. Spooky for the kids and olds alike with character to spare.

Garfield's Halloween Adventure

A TV special that is a must-see. Back in the day (1985) this 25 minute special frightened kids and a few years later this young crooked ninja. The part with the old man and the ghost pirates really made an impression. If you haven't seen it go on over to youtube to watch!

Hocus Pocus

A Disney movie that aired for what seemed endlessly on the Disney channel in the 90's leading up to Halloween. This movie is what a good kids Halloween movie should be. An annual must-watch.

Ghostbusters

The theme song is playing in your head right now, isn't it? Not much needs to be said about Ghostbusters, it's aces.

Monster House

The only CG movie to make the list. A house that is possessed by its evil former occupant, who can say no. A movie that didn't dazzle at the box office but should be on your watch list.

Monster Squad

The 80's at its best. A ragtag bunch of kids face off against every classic monster and have to save their town. A formula used often but used in such a great way in this case. Nostalgia on this one is off the charts.

Mad Monster Party

I have to admit I had only discovered this classic a few years back. This is another great claymation movie from Rankin/Bass ("Year Without a Santa Clause" fame) that is not to be missed.

Disney's Halloween Treat

A mishmash of new and old Halloween segments that has something for everyone, including dancing skeletons! This was on heavy rotation when I was a kid in the 80's.

Poltergeist

Stay away from that TV! No movie could make you so incredibly afraid of a blank TV than this movie. The best part about this movie is that it still holds up so well even today.

Wallace & Gromit The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Another clay masterpiece to add to the list. A giant were-rabbit causing mayhem and it's up to Wallace and Gromit to put a stop to it, before all the veggies are gone!

Paranorman

A very new movie (still in theaters as of this moment) but an instant classic. From the talented people who made "Coraline" this is a great example of superb storytelling and craftsmanship. You need to see this movie.












So there is the Crooked Gang's top 13, I am sure a few were missed but with only 13 spots it had to be narrowed (sorry "Nightmare Before Christmas" people). What's your top pick?